Award

This year, I was nominated and selected for the "Superior Research Award" for junior faculty.  I was humbled to receive the nomination, let alone be selected for the award.  I was even more proud when I thought about how I received the "Superior Teaching Award" two years ago.  As faculty we always try to balance our need to be good teachers and good researchers. It is not easy to do, as the two parts of my job are often competing for my time and prioritization on a day-to-day basis.  I am proud that I have excelled at both.  Maybe this is why I love my job.   I get to do two things that I love -- my own research and teaching in higher education.

Here is a picture of me, a couple of colleagues, and grad students. I received recognition for the research award at a dinner in April.   However, I was also supposed to be formally recoginzed at the graduation ceremony in early May.... but alas, Elizabeth decided to be born instead.  While I am happy to be holding a tiny baby in my arms, I was a little sad to miss graduation this year -- because it is one of my favorite parts of my job to see my students and their families celebrate their accomplishments.  And, plus, this year, I had a brand new  robe to wear, thanks to Steve.  In recognition of this award and a more important award that I should be receiving very soon (receiving tenure and being promoted to Associate Professor), Steve bought me my formal University of Michigan robe. Maybe when I receive the final letter from the President of the University, officially granting me tenure and promotion, I will dress up in my full regalia and take a picture .... since I was not able to be recognized at the commencement ceremony this year, maybe you blog readers can at least see me in my full regalia.  It may seem silly to dress up in Harry Potter-esque clothes, but I worked hard for my degrees and the tradition and history of academic regalia is pretty special to me.